Journal of Baltic Science Education

3

Authors: Editorial Board

Contents, JBSE, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2006

5-19

Authors: Vincentas Lamanauskas, Irena Gailienė, Rytis Vilkonis

The theoretical and practical facts prove that humankind increasingly devalue life primarily implementing personal needs and goals. Thus, the major objective of the learners’ science (self) education is fostering respect for nature and life. Although the issue is rather vital, the schoolchildren’s interaction with nature is poorly investigated in Lithuanian as well as in other European countries. The object of the latter research is disclosing attitudes towards life protection in the process of the interaction with nature. The article deals with the semantic structure and the main peculiarities of the learners’ attitudes towards life protection on the basis of which the factors determining the attitudes could be predicted and an effective system of educational support could be developed. 1787 teenagers participated in the survey. A quantitative and qualitative assessment indicates that more than a half of the respondents (64% of the answers) have positive attitudes towards the protection of single plants and animals’ species. Less than a half of the surveyed participants expressed neutral and negative attitudes (19% and 17% of the answers respectively). Despite the fact that quite a few learners support an idea about life protection, a semantic assessment of the attitude structure shows that the utilitarian, pragmatic and egocentric components of emotions are mainly prevailing. However, an expression of the ethic and value-based components remains weak and more diffusive. The learners’ attitudes towards life protection are full of semantic conversions. Hence, the obtained results presuppose the necessity of educational intervention.

40-50

Authors: Gul Unal, Ercan Akpinar

The primary science curricula have strong constructivist elements since 2000 in Turkey. As the creator of the learning environments it is the teacher who determines its quality. The purpose of this research is to determine if science teachers’ behaviour and thoughts are consistent with what the primary science curriculum in essence offers. The research was conducted with two researchers based on a qualitative design consisting of observation and interview with primary science teachers of Turkey. At the end, it was found that, although science teachers have constructivist ideas they do not behave in constructivist manner in the classroom.

61-69

Authors: Esra Ucak, Huseyin Bag, Muhammet Usak

The goal of this research is to investigate whether there is a significant difference between multiple intelligence instruction and traditionally designed science instruction on 7th grade students’ understanding of concept with the “The Structure of Material and Its Transformation” unit and attitudes toward science. Two classes, each with 27 students were randomly selected. The experimental group was instructed though MI strategies, whereas the control group was utilized with traditional methods. The measurement instruments utilized were Chemistry Achievement Test and Science Attitude Scale. As a result of this study it was found out that multiple intelligence theory, when compared to the traditional learning method, created positive effects on students’ success and attitudes toward science as a school subject.

77-85

Authors: Arne Rannikmäe, Miia Rannikmäe, Jack Holbrook

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine views held on the nature of science by tertiary level students who are not studying science subjects as an academic area of study, who are not seen as outstanding students in an academic sense, but who may cover a range of age groups from 18 upwards. The research sets out to determine their views on the nature of science based on their learning at secondary school and influences that may come from society. Essays written by 58 students were analysed. Using a phenomenographical approach, categories describing undergraduate students views were found.

98-100

Authors: Editorial Board

End, JBSE, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2006